W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 8, 2025 – Attended by a joyful and expectant crowd, yesterday’s 2025 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition showcased the skills, experience, and abilities of twenty-six exceptional horses and riders as they engaged in fierce competition for $5,500 in cash, other prizes, and the ultimate laurels of the championship. One by one, each horse and rider entered the arena to face a custom obstacle course designed to test not only their horsemanship skills and athleticism, but also their trust and faith in each other. The obstacles this year included jumps, a teeter-totter, a bear, dragging a sled of pumpkins, oversized bubble wands, ground-ties, and plenty of other maneuvers that required a bit of careful footwork. Even though the crowd cheered and laughed and faithfully urged their chosen riders on, the tension in the US Equestrian Coliseum was palpable as each horse and rider set foot into the ring to face the challenge.

When the dust settled, one pair emerged victorious with an incredible twelve point lead: Francis Veillette and YCC Sophia Montana! Congratulations to Francis and YCC Sophia Montana, who have won $2,500, a champion rosette, and the title of the 2025 Versatile Horse & Rider Champions. In second place, Carrie Lester and Yourekiddenmebrenna place second and won $1,500 and a reserve champion rosette. In third place, Bryan Woods and Inez Suarez won $1,000.00 and a rosette. In fourth, April Baronas and I Can’t Eeven took home $500.00 and a rosette, and our fifth through tenth place winners each received a rosette. Special thanks to Chewy Equine for sponsoring this year’s competition!

Congratulations to Francis and all of our incredible riders. Judge Jason Irwin awarded the following scores and places to our class of riders:

GET READY TO MEET YOUR 2025 VERSATILE HORSE AND RIDER CHAMPIONS

FRANCIS VEILLETTE 

Horse: YCC Sophia Montana, 14 year old Quarter Horse mare 

Francis has teamed up with YCC Sophia Montana for 9 years. They have won several provincial championships in Canada. In 2024, they finished third at the Provincial Ranch Riding Championships. They were also season champions in Quebec and Ontacrio’s EXCA/ACEQ Ride Smart Division and won the 2024 Quebec and Ontario Provincial Extreme Cowboy Finals. In addition to their competitive accomplishments, they enjoy trail riding and exploring on the ranch. Francis has a keen interest in horsemanship and he’s always looking to improve. In 2023, he was ranked 9th in the VHRC at Equine Affaire and finished 3rd in 2024. He is excited for the opportunity to improve his ranking again this year!